Our Story

What is IRWA?

Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation originally formed in 1987 to provide training and technical assistance to water and wastewater facilities in Idaho with populations under 10,000. The non-profit corporation is currently comprised of over 350 drinking water and wastewater systems in Idaho. Those 350 systems elect a seven member board of directors that volunteer their time to govern the Association. The Directors are elected from IRWA’s member systems.

Since its inception, IRWA has also grown to include additional membership of industry vendors and others that support the mission of the Association. Seventeen employees provide statewide operational services and managerial support to the drinking water and wastewater professionals of Idaho. The services provided by IRWA are critical to the drinking water and wastewater systems in Idaho working to maintain compliance with stringent rules and regulations designed to protect public health and safety, as well as the environment. The programs in place are specifically geared to help rural communities, as our employees assist as many as 120 different systems each month free of charge!

IRWA is here to ensure Idaho’s rural communities are safe while still maintaining the high quality of life we hold so dear.

IRWA Mission

Idaho Rural Water Association’s Mission is to provide technical assistance, training and a strong representative voice for the benefit of Idaho’s drinking water and wastewater utility systems.

IRWA Vision
The vision of Idaho Rural Water Association is to be the recognized authority for Idaho drinking water and wastewater issues.